Reenactors at Fur Post

The dream started in 1987 with a small group of people who shared a love of fur trade history. A grant from The Blandin Foundation allowed the White Oak Fur Post to become a reality. We have continued to grow because of the dedication of our members and the help of volunteers. The addition of the White Oak Learning Centre, built with a major grant from the State of Minnesota, gives us the opportunity to expand our educational programs, serve historicaly correct colonial dinners,and have overnight field trips. We look forward to new adventures in history

The dream started in 1987 when a small group of people interested in fur trade history thought it would be beneficial to the public and the Deer River community to create a North West Company fur post as it would have been in the late 1700s. As the location of the original fur post along the Mississippi is a part of the area's local history, support grew for the project.

The project began with a feasibility study sponsored by the Blandin Foundation of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. After a year of research and designing the site, a major grant was awarded to begin construction of the site. The White Oak Society, Inc. a not-for-profit corporation was born. The Society operates with a 9 member Board of Directors.

The White Oak Fur Post and Learning Centre is hosted by a group of volunteers, who make the post "come alive" with  the lifestyle of the 1798 fur trade period at the site. They are responsible for the education programs, hosting the overnight guests and groups and bringing the post into first-person interpretation during the Rendezvous in August.

Along with the Learning Centre, great hall, and the White Oak Fur Post there is a campground for both RV and tent camping. A nature trail wanders through the site with signage to help identify plants of interest and leads you into the post.

Space provided courtesy of Paulbunyan Net

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